An official of the National Youth Commission (NYC) underscored the role of the Regional Youth Advisory Councils in the different regions of the country in the achievement of the goals of the Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) for 2012-2016.

PYDP serves as the country’s blueprint for youth development, said NYC Chairman Leon Flores III. “Policies are only good as the weakest implementer on the ground,” said Flores as he keynoted the 1st National Convention of the Regional Youth Advisory Councils held in Iloilo City from December 3 to 5.

The RAC is the regional counterpart of the National Advisory Council that was created by virtue of Republic Act 8044, otherwise known as the “Youth in Nation Building Act of 1995.” It is composed of regional agencies and youth organization and was primarily established for localizing the implementation of policies and coordination and monitoring of programs at the regional level.